Jetset Diaries | Becca Piastrelli of The Dabblist

Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support of this new monthly column. If you’re new to NoMad Luxuries, Jetset Diaries is a monthly column that features women, both locally and around the globe, that share the same passion for travel. I’m hoping to stir up a serious case of wanderlust and inspire you to see the world! These ladies are sharing everything from their favorite destinations to tips on how to budget and pack for a trip. I would love it if you shared your own travel experiences and tips of your personal Jetset Diaries by tagging #JSDjetsetdiaries on social media!

For May’s Jetset Diaries, I’m so excited to welcome Becca Piastrelli from The Dabblist. Becca and I have never met but have somehow created this beautiful friendship through our blogs. Her manifesto is to rid the taboo around being known as a “dabbler” and instead infuse it with a sense of alchemy and wonder. She knows that when we bring an inquisitive heart to the process of creating with our own two hands and share our creations with each other, we remember what our great great grandmothers once knew – that given the freedom to dabble, we can be the creators of our own joy. Becca dabbles in everything from creating edible flower ice cubes to soul searching and finding the perfect harmony between your mind and body. I’ll pass it over to Becca….

1. What is one of your most memorable destinations or travel experiences?

Bali with my husband 5 years ago. I had just graduated from business and we brought 2 backpacks and a lonely planet. It ended up being the most adventurous and romantic trip we’ve ever been on. We hiked, we napped, we dove, we danced until dawn. And we also agreed we wanted to marry each other at a candlelit dinner on the beach in Gili Trawangan. It’s a special place, and I look forward to going back next month.

2. What is your packing style? Any must have pieces you always take with you?

I used to be such a horrible packer! But then I discovered Eagle Creek travel cubes and they saved the day. I can organize my bag so much better with those. My must haves are a scarf for the plane (and dressing up an outfit on the fly), Tom’s slip-ons for the flight (and easily getting through TSA), my Saje immune essential oils and oil of oregano for preventing sickness, and J.Crew jersey pants for flying comfortably while still looking semi-chic.

3. What’s still on your must-visit list?

Italy. I could go back again and again.

4.How do you stay healthy while  traveling?

Drinking lots of water (more than normal), oil of oregano, my Saje essential oils, and moving my body as much as possible – particularly right after I’ve flown a long ways in a seated position.

5.What’s in your carry-on?

My laptop (it’s like my pacifier), my Desire Map Day Planner from Danielle LaPorte, a journal, sunglasses, wallet, homemade lip balm, lotion, a big water bottle (I love the glass ones from BKR), passport. Oh, and probably crystals for setting up an altar in my hotel room. 😉

6.How far in advance do you plan your trips? What’s your process for researching, planning, etc?

It depends on the vibe of the trip I’m looking for. We are going to Iceland in June and we have been obsessively looking at maps and guides about the island. But that’s because we are looking for adventure and amazing food. For beachy and sleepy getaways, I’m fine with seeing where the wind blows me (and asking the locals usually proves to be a smart move).

7.Have you purchased anything memorable on one of your trips? If so, what and from where?

I like to buy jewelry and kitchenware when I’m traveling. I’ve got some glass bangles from India and some cups from Burma that I dearly adore.

8. What resources do you use to research and plan your travel? ie: apps, books, websites, etc.

I love posting on facebook to see if people have been where I’m going and have any recommendations. I usually get a lonely planet guide of where I’m going, but much prefer guides from bloggers and forums like TripAdvisor to get the real deal.

9. From saving before traveling to budgeting for spending money, how do you financially plan for a trip?

I set a realistic budget from the start and have a vacation fund with CapitalOne 360 that automatically pulls from our checking account to help save for the trip without me having to worry about pulling money aside. I also book on Tuesdays (the rumor about pricing being lowest then is absolutely true), and use Hipmunk or travel points. Fun fact: If you are using kayak and are on a mac, they will price flights higher than if you are on a PC. Not cool!

10. Any other tips or advice that you would like to share?

I wrote a post on some of my travel tips, if you’d like to read it.

Thanks to Becca for taking the time to share her favorite destinations and travel tips! I’m uber jealous of her recent trip to Bali and can’t wait to hear all about her upcoming trip to Iceland! For some creative inspiration and wanderlust, make sure to follow along!

Stay tuned for who will be featured in next month’s Jetset Diaries! I hope you all enjoyed the new series and would love to hear your feedback! Xx